Due to the cancellation of the spring sports season, members of the Class of 2020 are missing out on their own special Senior Day experience.  In light of that, we will be spotlighting them here on SJUHawks.com as the spring semester winds down.

Senior Spotlight: James McConnon, Baseball

McConnon, a catcher from Springfield, Pennsylvania, has made 112 appearances in his Saint Joseph's career, with 107 of them coming in starts as the Hawks' primary backstop the past three seasons.  He has hit at a .293 clip over his time in the Crimson and Gray, having amassed 118 career hits to go with 49 runs batted in.  McConnon was one of the Hawks' offensive leaders in 2020, posting a .300 batting average and a team-high 10 walks to go with eight runs scored and a .462 on-base percentage.  Last week, he earned First Team CoSIDA Academic All-District honors.
 
What is your favorite Saint Joseph's baseball memory?
Perhaps my favorite single moment could be our come-from-behind walk-off win against Notre Dame my sophomore year down in Florida.  Dominic Cuoci hit an opposite-field (to his famous power alley) homer to upset the Irish.  I think that game really stuck out to me because it showed we can compete with Power Five schools.
 
How would you like to be remembered as a member of the Saint Joseph's baseball team?
I want to be remembered as someone who did whatever it takes to win.  I wanted nothing but what is best for my teammates and I wanted to push my teammates to become better players and people every day.  I hope I provided a good example for the younger guys as the seniors did for me when I first arrived on Hawk Hill.

What has being a member of the Saint Joseph's baseball program taught you?
I have learned so many lessons from my past four years as a member of SJU baseball.  Time management, work ethic, and perseverance.  The past four years have been a marathon.  Balancing school and baseball has taught me so much about myself and what I can accomplish from an academic, personal, and athletic standpoint.  I discovered so much about myself from being around so many wonderful people the past four years.  These people also taught me so many invaluable lessons not only in baseball but in life.
 
What will you take out of your involvement with the Saint Joseph's baseball program moving forward?
As I move forward, I will be able to take my lessons and experiences from my past four years here and apply them to my future career.  While my future is uncertain during this crazy time, I know because of my time at Saint Joseph's I am prepared for whatever life throws at me.  I have tremendous resources and people I can trust at SJU to guide me through life.  My involvement has allowed me to meet some tremendous people across the Athletic Department that have influenced me and allowed me to grow as a person and as a member of a larger community.
 
I want to thank Coach Hamburg, Wheels [associate head coach Ryan Wheeler], and Pistol [assistant coach Pete O'Hara] for allowing me to grow as a player and a person.  Their selfless dedication and work ethic were something I have never seen before.  They always put the players first and only want what is best for us.  They truly embody what college coaching is all about: preparing us to become the best person possible once our playing careers are over.  These three have definitely prepared me for what is next, and I can't thank them enough for everything.
 
To the seniors and juniors from my freshman year, thank you for showing me the ropes and how I should go about my business the right way.  You guys led by example the right way and showed me and my classmates how things are to be done.  All of my teammates have shaped me and are a part of my life and I am so grateful to have each and everyone one of you in my life.           
 
What is your favorite food that you've had at a postgame tailgate?
Nothing beats a Chick-fil-a nugget tray after catching.
 
What was your favorite road trip during your SJU baseball career?
My first trip freshman year was to California to play Pepperdine.  I had never been to the West Coast before, so that was an awesome experience going to a different part of the country.  Some of the coolest stadiums we played in were at Pepperdine, East Carolina, Coastal Carolina, and CoolToday Park (the Atlanta Braves' brand-new spring training field).
 
What is your funniest memory of your time at SJU?
I don't think there is one moment that stands out but over the course of my four years just spending countless hours with everyone has provided me with memories I will never forget.  Those times in the clubhouse, on our bus trips, or in Campion are some of my favorite memories.

Who that you have played with at SJU fits the following categories? 
• Best singer: Slater O'Brien
• Best dressed: Slater O'Brien (Especially on Cute Fridays)
• Best taste in music: Slater O'Brien
• Funniest teammate: Dom Cuoci